By PETE ORBEA
The historic Port Gamble Theater was built during the boom times of this Victorian mill town near the turn of the last century. It was vacant and in a preserved state since 1956, when the last movie reel ended.
Fully renovated in 2011, the historic theater is ready for an exciting fourth season; they are currently adding a music series to further enhance the community feel of the theater.
In October, Oscar Wilde’s “The Canterville Ghost” was a great success and for your holiday experience, the theater is presenting “Heidi” from Dec. 5-21. This year, the theater is holding a special matinee of “Heidi” on Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. in conjunction with Port Gamble’s Country Christmas festival.
Board President Scott Snively revealed the theater’s exciting new season for 2015 which brings to life classics like “Cyrano de Bergerac,” “Sense & Sensibility,” Orson Welles’ “War of the Worlds” radio show, and “Miracle on 34th Street.”
“There are nine theaters in Kitsap County, each with their own flavor. We like to focus on the classics,” Snively said. “We consider the Port Gamble Theater Co. to be a teaching theater as well. Little or no experience is OK with us, as we want to provide a place for actors to cut their teeth on stage.”
Snively is eager for “Cyrano de Bergerac,” opening spring of 2015. Snively loves to be on stage acting, but is most excited about directing this production.
“The story and character of Cyrano is a bucket list item for me, but I’m really looking forward to overseeing and directing this production,” Snively said.
The theater holds a dress rehearsal the Thursday before the opening of a production. The public is welcome to “pay what you can” and attend. All of the proceeds from dress rehearsals go to a scholarship fund that benefits a North Kitsap High School senior each year.
The Kingston High School Debate Team sells roses at the shows to help raise money for the team to compete in state and national competitions. They are also participating in the Mrs. Claus Project this year during the production of “Heidi” in an effort to help kids who need items from pajamas to a desired toy that they wouldn’t otherwise receive.
Season tickets and single-show tickets can be purchased online at www.portgambletheater.com. You can also contact the theater company at 360-977-7135 with any other questions.
The Port Gamble Theater Co. looks forward to seeing you for the remainder of the 2014 season as well as the exciting 2015 season.
A look ahead
Come enjoy the seasonal magic during the annual Country Christmas weekend Dec. 13-14. The town is fully dressed for the occasion with ornaments; garland and thousands of bright white lights, and Port Gamble merchants are stocking their shelves with holiday shopping in mind.
You and your family can create your own special holiday memories at Santa’s Workshop, a hands-on, interactive craft experience ($5 per child) or join the audience for the annual Holiday Fruitcake Contest. As darkness falls Saturday evening, you can gather around the community Christmas tree for the tree lighting and then take in the holiday fireworks celebration.
For a full list of activities and times, visit www.portgamble.wix.com/countrychristmas.
Holiday open house
Kick off the holidays at the fifth annual Holiday Open House at the Port Gamble General Store Nov. 8.
Free cookies, live music and discounts on all holiday items — Santa & Mrs. Claus may even make an appearance.
Attention, bakers
Port Gamble’s Fruitcake Contest is back for another year and we’re mixing things up.
Participants will present their fruitcakes before a panel of distinguished judges, with the public watching. We want to hear your story.
The annual Fruitcake Contest will take place from 1-2 p.m. at the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion on Dec. 14, during Country Christmas in Port Gamble.
The pavilion will open to participants at 11:30 a.m. and the public at 12:30 p.m, submissions must be present on location by 1 p.m. The winner will receive an engraved plaque, and other holiday and Port Gamble goodies.
Will your fruitcake take the cake? For more information: 360-297-8074.
A special thank you
On Sept. 18, a fire broke out on the front porch of one of the historic Port Gamble homes on Highway 104.
The quick actions and awareness of Shawna Barkey saved the day. She signaled the barista at Gamble Bay Coffee to call 911 in the early hours of the morning as she headed to work at Striebel’s Espresso.
Port Gamble town managers Tonya Caswell, Tom Daley, Kathy Keller and Julie McAfee showed their gratitude by presenting to Barkey a certificate of appreciation, a book about Port Gamble’s history and a $100 Visa gift card.
Barkey said she and her family will find a treat for themselves with the gift card.
From all of us at Port Gamble and Olympic Property Group, thank you, Shawna.
Business news
Sally’s Barber Shop in Port Gamble is now open seven days a week. Hous are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The shop’s new barber/stylist is named Krista. For appointments call 360-779-9768
— Pete Orbea is marketing and communications coordinator of Port Gamble. porbea@orminc.com
